Renting a Car at Rabat-Salé Airport (RBA): the Complete Guide
Land at RBA and drive off straight away: how terminal delivery works, prices, required documents and the best road trips starting from Rabat.
Why rent your car directly at RBA?
Rabat-Salé Airport (code RBA) is the gateway to the capital and the whole Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region. It is a human-scale airport: formalities are quick and you are outside within minutes — which is exactly what makes renting a car on arrival so convenient. No shuttle, no detour to a downtown agency: you land, collect your keys and go.
With Maroc Elite Transport, delivery of your vehicle to the RBA terminal is free with no airport surcharge, 24/7 — including night flights. See our Rabat-Salé Airport car rental page for available vehicles.
Rabat-Salé Airport at a glance
RBA sits on the Salé side of the river, about ten kilometres from central Rabat — allow roughly 20 to 25 minutes to reach Agdal or Hassan. The airport mainly serves routes to France, Belgium, Spain and other European destinations, plus domestic flights. Its modest size is a real advantage: where you can lose an hour at Casablanca Mohammed V between landing and the exit, at RBA everything moves fast.
It is also the closest airport for visiting Rabat, Salé, Témara and Kénitra — and an excellent starting point for a road trip north (Tangier, Chefchaouen) or inland (Fes, Meknes).
How does pickup at RBA work?
- Book before your flight — online or via WhatsApp, giving your flight number and arrival time.
- We track your flight — if it is delayed, your vehicle still waits for you at no extra cost.
- Meet at the terminal — our agent meets you at the exit with the vehicle. Quick document check and joint inspection.
- Drive off — the whole process usually takes less than 15 minutes after you collect your luggage.
At the end of your stay, the return works the same way: meet at the terminal before your departure flight, hand over the keys, and you are done.
Rental prices at RBA Airport
Our rates are the same as in town — airport delivery adds no surcharge:
- Economy city car: from 250 MAD/day
- Comfort sedan: from 400 MAD/day
- Premium SUV: from 600 MAD/day
- Luxury vehicle: from 1,200 MAD/day
All prices include comprehensive insurance, unlimited mileage and 24/7 roadside assistance. The security deposit ranges from 500 to 2,000 MAD depending on the vehicle. If you don't need a car for your whole stay, our private transfer from RBA starts at 350 MAD, with a name-sign welcome at the exit.
Documents and requirements
- Valid driving licence — an International Driving Permit is accepted (recommended if your licence is not in French or Arabic)
- Valid passport or ID card
- Minimum age: 21
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup
Where to go from Rabat-Salé Airport?
Rabat and its region (under 45 minutes)
The capital deserves at least a day: the Kasbah of the Udayas, the Hassan Tower, the Mohammed V Mausoleum and the Chellah ruins. Across the Bouregreg river, the Salé medina is far more authentic and less touristy. Heading south, the Témara and Skhirat beaches are half an hour away; north, Kénitra and Mehdia beach are about 40 minutes. Our Rabat car rental guide covers neighbourhoods and parking.
Casablanca (about 1 h 15)
The A1 motorway links Rabat to Casablanca in just over an hour: the Hassan II Mosque, the Aïn Diab corniche and the art-deco city centre make an easy day trip.
Fes and Meknes (2.5 to 3 hours)
The A2 motorway puts the kingdom's spiritual capital about 2.5 hours from RBA. On the way, Meknes and the Roman site of Volubilis make excellent stops.
Tangier and Chefchaouen (2.5 to 3.5 hours)
Northbound, the motorway reaches Tangier in about 2.5 hours. The blue city of Chefchaouen, further east in the Rif, takes about 3.5 hours — one of the most beautiful road trips from Rabat.
Summer and peak-season tips
- In July-August, book at least 48 hours ahead: it is the busiest period of the year, between tourists and Moroccans living abroad returning home
- Always share your flight number — summer flights are delayed more often and we adjust delivery accordingly
- On summer weekends the coastal road to the beaches gets very busy in the late afternoon: prefer the motorway
- For long summer drives (Fes, Marrakech), leave early in the morning to avoid the hottest hours
- An SUV or comfort sedan is more pleasant for motorway trips with luggage
